Last updated June 2026
Mōrere Hot Springs (Nga Hua o Mōrere) provide a rare opportunity to soak in natural saltwater mineral pools set within the 364-hectare Mōrere Springs Scenic Reserve on New Zealand’s East Coast. The springs lie on State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Wairoa, offering both relaxation and access to native rainforest tracks. The site is managed by the Department of Conservation in partnership with local iwi and reopened to the public in December 2024 after maintenance work. Visitors can choose public or private pools while enjoying the surrounding coastal forest and birdlife.
Practical Information
| Location | SH2, 52 km south of Gisborne, 40 km north-east of Wairoa, 15 km north of Nuhaka |
| Opening hours | Thursday–Monday 10 am–5 pm; Tuesday–Wednesday closed |
| Entry fees | Adult $20; Child (5–18) $12; Kaumātua/Senior $14; Family discounts available |
| Facilities | Public and private pools, kiosk, parking, bottled water for sale |
| Management | Department of Conservation with iwi partnership |
| Best for | Day trips, soaking, short walks |
About Mōrere Hot Springs
The Mōrere Springs Scenic Reserve protects one of the last remaining tracts of coastal native forest on the East Coast. Towering nīkau palms, rimu, tōtara and other native trees create a lush setting around the geothermal springs. The reserve supports abundant birdlife including tūī, bellbird and kererū.
Nga Hua o Mōrere are rare natural saltwater hot springs that produce approximately 250,000 litres of hot, mineral-rich seawater daily. The water emerges from a fractured fault and is piped to a variety of pools set among the trees. Soaking here has long been valued for its therapeutic properties.
The area holds deep cultural significance for Ngāti Rakaipaaka and other iwi including Rongomaiwahine. Traditional names reference the healing waters, and the site contains evidence of early occupation such as storage pits and pā remains. Joint leadership between iwi and DOC guides current management.
European history includes designation as a thermal reserve in 1885 and construction of the first totara bathhouse in the early 1890s. A hotel operated beside the springs from the late 1890s until it was destroyed by fire in 1994. The scenic reserve status protects the remaining forest that escaped widespread clearing for farming.
Hot Springs and Pools
Public and private pools cater to different preferences, with options including the Nikau pools nestled among palm trees. No lifeguards are on duty. Children aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult, and visitors should not immerse their heads in the hot or warm pools. The on-site water is unsuitable for drinking.
The springs operate Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm and are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Multi-trip concessions and group discounts are available at the kiosk. Check the official Facebook page for any updates before travelling.
Walking Tracks
Several tracks start near the hot springs entrance or a short distance north on Tunanui Road. The easy Nikau Loop Track offers a short circuit through stands of nīkau palms. Longer options such as the Mangakawa Track and Ridge Track provide more challenging walks with views across farmland and coastline.
Tracks can become steep, muddy and slippery after rain, increasing the risk of slips or windfalls. Visitors are advised to avoid the tracks in wet weather. Track times are approximate and based on average family groups.
History and Culture
The traditional Māori name for the springs is Ngā Wai Ariki o Ngāti Rakaipaaka, meaning the Waters of the Gods belonging to the Ngāti Rakaipaaka people. The area supplied natural healing waters, kiekie and other materials used for weaving and rongoā. Physical evidence of occupation includes storage pits and the remains of pā sites.
European settlers felled most surrounding bush in the late 1880s, but a small area around the springs was preserved. The site later became a popular resort destination in the 1920s and 1930s. Today the reserve combines conservation, cultural recognition and visitor facilities under joint iwi and DOC stewardship.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently describe the rainforest setting and mineral pools as peaceful and rejuvenating, noting the contrast between hot soaks and cool forest walks. Many appreciate the short, accessible tracks and the chance to see native birds and nīkau palms up close.
Reviewers often mention the therapeutic feel of the saltwater pools and recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the day to enjoy quieter conditions. Families note the need for adult supervision of children and the value of combining a soak with a gentle walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Mōrere Springs area: Official page with opening hours, track information and safety advice.
Department of Conservation – Nga Hua o Mōrere: Current fees, pool rules and reopening details.
Department of Conservation – Nikau Loop Track: Details on the easiest walking option in the reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current opening hours for Nga Hua o Mōrere?
The hot springs are open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
How much does entry cost?
Adult entry is $20, children aged 5–18 pay $12, seniors pay $14, and family discounts apply. Multi-trip concessions are available.
Are children allowed in the pools?
Children aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Can I drink the water at the springs?
The on-site water is unsuitable for drinking. Bottled water is available for purchase at the kiosk.
What walking tracks are available?
The easy Nikau Loop Track starts near the springs. Longer options include the Mangakawa Track and Ridge Track, accessed a short distance north on Tunanui Road.
Is the site suitable for a day trip from Gisborne?
Yes. The reserve lies approximately 52 km south of Gisborne on SH2 and makes a straightforward day trip with time for soaking and a short walk.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted in the scenic reserve due to its high ecological value and conservation status.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is not required for general entry, but checking the official Facebook page for updates before travel is recommended.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.